Casey Affleck in the Spotlight

Guest Author - Elizabeth Borer

When the name Casey Affleck is mentioned, the last name Affleck triggers an immediate thought to big brother Ben Affleck. However, Casey Affleck is getting the chance this fall to step out of his brotherís shadow and display his own acting chops.

Up until now, Casey Affleck would be most recognized for his supporting roles such as the character Morgan OíMalley in the 1997 Film Good Will Hunting, written by and starring Ben Affleck and friend Matt Damon. Most recently as the Virgil Malloy character in all three of the Oceanís movies, 2001ís Oceanís 11, 2004ís Oceanís 12, and 2007ís Oceanís 13 as part of the very talented ensemble cast that included George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Julia Roberts, just to name a few. Casey Affleck also played Bobby Calzone in the 2000 film Drowning Mona, a dark comedy, along side Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, Neve Campbell and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Casey Affleck has had his share of screen time with A-list celebrities, and this year, has the chance to move up the list himself. The September 2007 release of The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford with Brad Pitt has critics buzzing about Affleckís role as Robert Ford. Based on the novel by Ron Hansen of the same name, the film is set in 1881 and delves into the events leading up to the assassination of Jesse James. Casey Affleck plays the 19 year old Robert Ford, a member of Jesse Jamesí inner circle who cowardly shot him in the back.

The second film this fall that Affleck is starring is Gone Baby Gone, a film adapted from the novel by author Dennis Lehane, writer of Mystic River. Casey Affleck plays Patrick Kenzie, a South Boston private investigator hired to find a missing 4 year old girl after the police leads run dry. Filmed in the real streets of South Boston, the film promises to have the true grit and soul of the city. Affleckís co-stars include Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman and Michelle Monaghan. Written, Produced and Directed by Ben Affleck, Gone Baby Gone is set to be released in the US on Friday, October 19th.